THE HEROS OF GODOLKIN | GEN V AND THE BOYS FIC |

1.

8 YEARS AGO
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"Today," Homelander announced solemnly from the stage of the grand auditorium, his voice resonating through the hushed silence that had fallen over the audience, "I stand before the American people to report that Black Noir has successfully executed an operation, eliminating the Super Terrorist known as Naqib." Applause erupted, thunderous and heartfelt, echoing off the walls of the auditorium. The faith in The Seven soared, bolstered by yet another resounding victory against those who threatened the safety and sanctity of the nation.

"But," Homelander continued, his tone shifting subtly to one of somber reflection, "that victory does not come without sacrifice." He paused deliberately, his piercing blue eyes sweeping across the crowd, each individual hanging on his every word. His gaze momentarily settled on Claire and Maverick, the niece and son of the fallen hero, Translucent. They sat in the front row, a poignant reminder of the price heroes paid in the relentless battle against evil.

"The proof of that, sadly, lies before us," Homelander continued, his voice tinged with a deep, abiding sorrow that resonated with every member of the audience. "Today, we mourn the loss of a cherished member of The Seven-Translucent." Claire, seated beside Maverick, bowed her head, tears streaming down her cheeks unchecked. Maverick's mother, standing stoically beside them, offered a comforting hand on Claire's shoulder, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Murdered in cold blood," Homelander declared, his voice hardening with righteous indignation as Maverick sighed heavily beside Claire, the weight of grief palpable in his demeanor. "By the cartel's Super Terrorist, El Diablo."

The auditorium held its collective breath, hanging on Homelander's every word, as he recounted Translucent's final moments. "Before his untimely departure," Homelander continued, bitterness seeping into his voice like a bitter draught, "Translucent entrusted me with a message. Almost as if he foresaw his fate, he said, 'Hey, Homelander. Tell my son Maverick and my niece Claire that I love them both deeply.'"

Claire's sobs grew more audible now, the rawness of her grief laid bare in the presence of thousands. Maverick, though visibly shaken, remained outwardly composed, his father's stoicism a mantle he bore with silent dignity.

"He also charged me with a task," Homelander resumed, his pacing deliberate and measured as he addressed the somber assembly. "To find these Super Villains and put an end to their reign of terror." His gaze locked onto Claire and Maverick, their eyes fixed on him with a mixture of sorrow and hope, seeking solace in his unwavering resolve.

"So I say to you, Claire, Maverick," Homelander directed his words directly to her, noting her valiant attempt to compose herself amidst the tidal wave of emotions, "and to all the sons and daughters of this great nation: I will stop them. I will save you. I will do it for you. For America."

A profound silence descended upon the auditorium, punctuated only by the soft shuffle of feet and the occasional sniffle. Homelander's gaze softened as he walked slowly towards Translucent's casket, a rare vulnerability flickering across his normally steely countenance. He placed his hand gently upon the casket, his breath hitching audibly in his throat, the weight of his loss palpable to all who witnessed it. The clicking of cameras in the background seemed to amplify the solemnity of the moment, capturing for eternity the depth of emotion etched upon the face of The Seven's indomitable leader.

"For a dear old friend," Homelander murmured, his voice thick with unshed tears, "goodbye, brother. And thank you."

The auditorium erupted into a sustained applause, a heartfelt tribute to a fallen hero whose memory would forever be enshrined in the annals of heroism. The lights dimmed briefly, casting the room in a soft, reverential glow before gradually brightening once more. On the large screen behind the stage, Starlight, Claire's personal favorite member of The Seven, appeared, her voice a beacon of hope amidst the somber atmosphere. She sang a hauntingly beautiful tribute, her melodic notes weaving through the auditorium like threads of silver light, touching the hearts of all who listened.